Heads up! This is not a ranking, so it means they are all excellent and you absolutely must try them all! At least that’s what I did and I would gladly do it again… but first, you should know that:
Florence is renowned as the birthplace of gelato, a legacy of the ingenious Bernardo Buontalenti from the 16th century. Today, the city boasts a vibrant gelato scene, where historic and modern gelaterias vie to offer the freshest, most original flavors. Join me as we explore the best gelato spots in Florence.
12. Gelateria Santa Trinita
Gelateria Santa Trinita is perfectly placed on the left bank of the Arno at Piazza Frescobaldi, 11-12r, offering a wide array of gelato flavors that highlight premium ingredients like IGP hazelnuts from the Langhe and pure Bronte pistachio.
Beyond the classic selections, adventurous flavors await such as Black Sesame from Japan, ricotta and figs with fresh ricotta from Pienza, peanut and chocolate, and yogurt with strawberries and honey. Noteworthy are the “Santa Trinita,” “Buontalenti” with mascarpone, and the rich dark chocolate. All fruit flavors are made into refreshing sorbets using seasonal fruits.
11. Sbrino – Gelatificio Contadino
Located at Via dei Serragli, 32r in Florence, offers a diverse menu that caters to various preferences and dietary needs. With 18 creams and 8 sorbets, plus both classic and unique granitas, there’s something for everyone.
Their Aperisbrino line features innovative flavors like Negroni, Caipiroska, Mojito, and watermelon with vodka. Many of their offerings are vegan or gluten-free, ensuring high quality and freshness in every scoop.
10. La Carraia in Santa Croce
Gelateria La Carraia, now located at Via dei Benci, 24r in the Santa Croce area, continues to be celebrated for its variety, craftsmanship, and quality since its origins near the Ponte alla Carraia.
For a taste of something special, try the “Luna di Miele,” featuring honey, caramel pralines, white chocolate, and cream, or indulge in the “Delizia la Carraia,” a rich blend of white chocolate and pistachio.
9. Vivoli
Located at Via Isola delle Stinche, 7r in Florence, Vivoli is not just the oldest gelateria in the city but a true icon of local culinary tradition. Perfect for a refreshing stop while exploring Florence, it promises a taste of authentic Florentine gelato.
Founded in 1929 by Serafino Vivoli, the shop started as a dairy and quickly transitioned to making gelato with natural ice sourced from Vallombrosa. Today, Vivoli continues to serve delicious gelato and has expanded to include an artisanal pastry shop, maintaining its reputation for quality and tradition.
8. Badiani
At Viale dei Mille, 20r and Via Tosinghi, 12 in Florence, Badiani is a cornerstone of the city’s gelato culture. Established in 1932, it gained fame under Orazio Pomposi and his sons, who refined its reputation for exquisite artisanal gelato.
Badiani is particularly famed for creating the Buontalenti flavor, named after the architect believed to have invented gelato. This flavor was first introduced in the late 1960s during a competition to honor Buontalenti and remains the most popular choice among patrons today.
7. Gelateria della Passera
Situated at Via Toscanella, 15r in Florence, Gelateria della Passera, opened by Cinzia Otri in 2010, quickly became a gem for gelato lovers. Known for her meticulous selection of ingredients and mastery of gelato-making techniques, Cinzia offers a true taste experience.
Her signature flavor, Ph1lo, exemplifies her philosophy with its simple yet sublime ingredients: mascarpone cream base, concentrated coffee sauce, bitter chocolate, and pine nuts. This year, she’s expanding both the space and the flavor selection of her shop, doubling the offerings to 40 flavors while maintaining a focus on local Tuscan ingredients.
6. Gelateria de’ Medici
Gelateria de’ Medici, established in 1997 by the Teglia family, is at Via dello Statuto, 3 in Florence. The family’s passion for high-quality ingredients has shaped a menu of unforgettable gelato flavors.
Seasonal fruits transform into delightful sorbets and innovative flavors like basil during the summer. Noteworthy are the Nocciola gentile, Crema de’ Medici, and Jasmine chocolate, the latter inspired by an 18th-century recipe from Francesco Redi.
5. Gelateria dei Neri
Gelateria dei Neri, just steps away from Piazza Santa Croce in Florence, is renowned for its dedication to tradition and innovation, shop’s address is Via dei Neri, 2/11r. They excel in crafting a wide variety of flavors, consistently seeking out new and genuine products.
Among their standout offerings are truly unique flavors like Gorgonzola with Walnuts, Mexican Chocolate with pistachio and chili, and Ricotta with Figs. Each flavor promises a unique taste adventure that’s well worth experiencing.
4. Gelateria Artigianale Cantina del Gelato
Cantina del Gelato on Via dei Bardi, 31 has quickly made a name for itself in Florence with its fresh approach to gelato and more. Known for their artisanally crafted, flavorful gelato, they also offer a range of fresh juices made with exotic fruits imported from Brazil, including acerola, guava, cashew, and passion fruit.
A standout innovation is their Açai Na Tigela, a Brazilian specialty consisting of a blend of açai, banana, and guarana syrup. This delightful concoction is a powerhouse of flavor and energy.
3. Il Procopio
Il Procopio, located at Via Pietrapiana, 60r in Florence, stands out for its high-quality ingredients and unique gelato flavors, all crafted through traditional artisanal methods.
Notable flavors include Almond scented with Sicilian citrus and pistachio, and Follia – a rich cream with caramelized figs in honey, lemon zest, and a crunchy mix of almonds and walnuts. Other must-tries are the Sacher, Chantilly cream with cinnamon apples, and a classic chocolate made with three different types of cocoa.
2. Carabè
Carabè in Florence at Via Ricasoli, 60r, is more than just a gelato shop; it’s a testament to Sicilian heritage, brought to the city by Antonio Lisciandro in 1980. Originating from a long line of gelato makers in Messina, Antonio established Carabè to showcase the uncompromising quality of Sicilian gelato.
Must-try flavors include “Spirito Siciliano,” bursting with Sicilian mandarins and lemons, along with creams flavored with jasmine flowers. Don’t miss out on their granitas and cremolatas either, which are 100% natural and capture the essence of Sicilian summer flavors.
1. Grom
At Via del Campanile, 2 in Florence, Grom excels with extraordinary ingredients and advanced production methods. Don’t miss the “Crema di Grom,” featuring artisanal biscuits and chocolate chips.
Also noteworthy are the Torroncino, Salted Caramel with pink Himalayan salt, Langhe Hazelnut, Pistachio, and the fruit-based “Flavors of the Month.” Nearly all their gelato options are gluten-free, and many are made without milk, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences.
